Prevalence and Bacteriological Characterization of Canine Superficial Pyoderma

Superficial pyoderma is an important bacterial dermatological disorder in dogs. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of superficial pyoderma and characterise the bacterial organisms associated with the condition. A total of 1,874 dogs presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mhow, were screened, of which 418 were diagnosed with dermatological disorders. Dogs showing lesions suggestive of superficial pyoderma were clinically examined and samples were collected aseptically from pustules, exudates and pus for bacteriological examination. Samples were enriched in Brain Heart Infusion broth and subjected to Gram staining, cultural examination and biochemical tests. Of the 1,874 dogs screened, 79 were diagnosed with superficial pyoderma, giving an overall prevalence of 4.21%, while the condition accounted for 22.30% of skin diseases. The highest age-wise prevalence was recorded in dogs aged 1–7 years (40.38%), followed by 6–12 months (14.29%), >7 years (9.82%) and 0–6 months (8.42%). Breed-wise, Labrador Retrievers showed the highest prevalence (29.90%), followed by German Shepherds (22.07%) and Pomeranians (17.95%). Sex-wise prevalence was higher in males (25.21%) than females (11.17%). Bacteriological examination revealed Staphylococcus spp. as the predominant isolate, recovered alone from 74 samples (93.67%), while mixed infection with Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli was detected in 5 samples (6.33%). The findings highlight the importance of bacteriological examination for accurate identification of bacterial organisms associated with canine superficial pyoderma.